Where in the World is Boston, Massachusetts?

     This is not a humorous post. It was requested by a friend who is NOT a member of this site (you know who you are, and SHAME ON YOU).

     Ever feel the urge to just pick up an take a trip to Boston Massachusetts? That's great no matter how you answered that question. But what would you do once you got there? Bet you didn't think of that, did you? Would you go to the South Pole without a plan? There's no toys at the South Pole. But there's plenty to do in Boston, and lucky for you, I'm here to tell you what some of those things are:

1. Beer & Wine
   

   Coolidge Corner FREE wine tastings!

   Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits offers free tastings from 6 to 8 p.m Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.

   Sam Adams Brewery

   Sam Adams Brewery offers tours of the Jamaica Plain facility with discussion of how founder Jim Koch brews the beer. Tours and tastings occur on Monday-Thursday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., starting every half hour.

   Harpoon Brewery

   Harpoon Brewery hosts tastings every weekday at 4p.m., with additional tastings on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 2p.m.

   Cheers Beacon Hill (formerly the Bull & Finch Pub)

   
   

   See the bar/restaurant where the exterior shots were filmed for the TV series Cheers. The interior of this establishment in no way resembles that of the TV show...but wait...→

   
   

   Cheers Faneuil Hall

   
   

   If you're looking for the TV show experience, trot over to Faneuil Hall to see a branch location of the Cheers bar, built specifically to emulate the interior of the bar "where everybody knows your name."

   
   

2. Sports (well, Baseball)
   

   Fenway Park

   
   

   Fenway Park, Located at 4 Yawkey Way, served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. If you are in Boston during the games, you have to go to the stadium. But even off-season you can visit Fenway Park for tours and events celebrating the history of the Red Sox.

   
   

3. Arts & Entertainment
   

   FREE museum days

   1. The Museum of Fine Arts offers days of free admission throughout the year. See their website @ www.mfa.org for their calendar.
   2. Girls named Isabella get in free at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The museum also offers free birthday admission.

   Newbury Street

   
   

   More than 15 art galleries, including Newbury Fine Arts, line either side of Newbury Street.

   
   

   The Boston Public Library

   
   

   This library features rotating art exhibits, extraordinary architecture, lectures, movies, and workshops. There is a free Art and Architecture Tour of the building Sundays at 2 p.m., Mondays at 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.

   
   

   Institute of Contemporary Art

   
   

   On Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m the ICA is free for art lovers interested in unconventional exhibits.

   
   

   Harvard Square

   
   

   Home to the esteemed Harvard University, and to more than 300 registered street performers.

   
   

4. History (there's no better place for it)
   

   The Old North Church

   View the steeple where the two lanterns were hung that signaled Paul Revere to take his famous ride, and sparked the Revolution.

   Mount Auburn Cemetery

   "America's first garden cemetery," located on the border of Cambridge and Watertown, the cemetery features classical monuments.

   Historic Beacon Hill

   Take a walk down narrow the cobble brick roads in the historical Beacon hill area.

   Commonwealth Museum

   After a major renovation, the Commonwealth Museum has finally opened its doors to its permanent exhibit. Now everyone can enter for free and marvel at rare original documents and artifacts that are true national treasures.

   The USS Constitution

   Also known as "Old Ironsides," the Constitution cruises Boston Harbor. Take a tour of the Navy yard, exhibit hall, and oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.

   The Freedom Trail

   Take a self-guided tour along all or part of the 2.5 mile trail. Just follow the red-brick or red-painted line from the Visitor Information Center on the Boston Common and enjoy the 16 historic stops along the way, including Faneuil Hall (and, of course, stop by the Cheers bar), Paul Revere's house, and the Old North Church.

   The Massachusetts State House

   Tour the oldest building on Beacon Hill, with a 45-minute tour. Tour the gilded dome of the State House.

   The Massachusetts Historical Society

   Manuscripts and artifacts are available to the public. They also hold numerous seminars and weekly tours.

   Take a guided tour (pick one)

   Get a different spin on the city's history, with or without a GPS. Sports lovers can take a free tour of some of the most historic sites in Boston with the Boston Sports Trail. Those wanting a more political side of the city, might want to try the JFK Trail.



5. Relaxation
   

   Coit Observatory, Boston University

   Enjoy free stargazing Wednesdays after 7:30 p.m. throughout the fall and winter, pending clear skies.

   Christian Science Center Grounds

   A perfect place for reading and relaxing.

   Boston Harbor

   Take in a stroll along the not-so dirty water of the Boston Harbor. The Boston Harborwalk is a broad public walkway that has been cleaned up and highlighted by cafes, artwork, and access to water taxis and ferries. You can take a self-guided tour of any part of the 40-mile path, which stretches from Charlestown to South Boston, by downloading an audio guide onto your iPod.

   Department of Conservation and Recreation

   All parks within Route 128 run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation are free* to enjoy. There is even a way to gain free admission to all the parks in the state. Stop by your local library and pick up a day pass good for free parking at over 50 facilities in Massachusetts. Visit the DCR web site @ www.mass.gov/dcr/listing for a complete listing of parks and beaches. *Exceptions: Boston Harbor Islands, Nantasket Beach, Nahant Beach

   Harvard Book Store

   Check out Author Event Series, lectures, and signings



6. Other Stuff
   

   Bunker Hill Monument

   Climb the 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument for unparalleled views of the Boston skyline.

   The New England Aquarium

   During the winter months, the Boston Public Library's free ticket program gives out free passes that will admit up to four people into the New England Aquarium. Passes must be reserved by an adult or teen with a Metro-Boston library card.

   The North End

   Rich Italian culture thrives in the North End. Don’t miss authentic Italian bakeries and restaurants, with foods like assorted desserts from Mike's Pastry.

     So there you have it, the low-down on the hood that is Boston, Mass. Tune in again for more of the things I think about because I can and do. In the meantime, become a member/follower. Thanks for visiting!